Boston’s miracle: how free nappies and a little mentoring are curbing crime

Detective Stacy Spell runs Project Longevity, a gang violence reduction initiative in New Haven. Photograph: Rob Schoenbaum Stacy Spell is trying to save lives. The 20-odd youngsters ranged in a semicircle in front of him are healthy enough. But most are on a path towards early death. “If any one of you drops a body, your whole group will be targeted,” Spell booms, pacing the room like a public defender in a courtroom. “Even if you weren’t there, we will come after you.” The youths don’t move. All have criminal records. Most sit slumped in their chairs. One man […]